Uneme Festival

Uneme Festival is a festival to console the soul of a heartbroken woman, Uneme. Once upon a time, there was a maiden called Uneme who fell in love with an emperor and then who eventually lost his love... What happened to her afterwards? Ask our guides during our daily tours! 

Sept. 12(mon) Uneme Festival (Uneme Matsuri)
@Uneme Shrine by Sarusawa Pond

17:00 ~ Procession of people in traditional costumes
 (JR Nara Station ~ Sanjo-dori St. ~ Higashimuki-dori St. ~ Oomiya-dori St. ~ Konishi Sakura-dori St. ~ Mochiidono-dori St. ~ Sanjo-dori St. ~ Sarusawa Pond ~ Uneme Shrine)
18:00 ~ Ritual Ceremony, Offering of Flowery Fan to Uneme Shrine
19:00 ~ Miss Uneme and Miss Nara ride on a boat to throw a flowery fan into Sarusawa Pond. There will be musicians on a boat playing traditional court music.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide  

NARA TO-KAE, Ten Nights Of Lantern Illumination (pictures)

At Sarusawa Pond


Approach to Great Buddha Hall


Near Todaiji Temple


As for the schedule, please refer to
http://narawalk.blogspot.com/2011/08/nara-to-kae-ten-nights-of-lantern.html

Events around Nara Park (August 2011)

Around Nara Park:

Aug. 5(fri) - 14(sun) Ten Nights Of Lantern Illumination (NARA TO-KAE)
See a related journal entry for details: click here.

Aug. 7(sun) Cleaning of Great Buddha (Ominugui)
7:00 ~ 9:30 @Great Buddha Hall in Todaiji Temple
This is once a year cleaning day for Great Buddha. About 120 Buddhist monks and laypeople clean Great Buddha form head to toe. Although the cleaning starts from 7:00am, Great Buddha Hall is opened to the public from 7:30am.

Aug. 14(sun) & 15(mon) All 3000 Lanterns Light Up Day (Chugen Mantoro)
@Kasuga Grand Shrine
Lanterns of Kasuga Grand Shrine used to be lit up every night, but today they are lit up only on certain days.

18:30~ (Aug. 14) Offertory of Bugaku, traditional Japanese court music and dances / (Aug. 15) Offertory of Kagura, Shinto’s offertory music and dances
19:00~ All 3000 lanterns are lit.
 *With donation of 3000yen or more, you can light up a lantern by yourself.
20:30 Gates closed.

Aug. 15(mon) Thousands Of Lantern Lights Offered To Great Buddha (Manto Kuyo-e)
19:00 ~ 22:00 @ Great Buddha Hall in Todaiji Temple
About 2500 lanterns are lit in front of Great Buddha Hall. Each lantern is offered to Great Buddha with a prayer, varying from a health to world peace. This lantern offering started as a way to console the souls of the dead who are believed to be making their summer visit to this world form the other world during this time of a year. Inside the hall, Buddhist monks hold a religious ceremony to pray for the dead and to send the prayers on lanterns to Great Buddha.

Aug. 15(mon) Nara “大”-shaped Bonfire (Nara Dai-monji Okuribi)
“大”, pronounced ‘dai’, symbolizes cosmos. 108 small bonfires are lined to form “大” shape. This bonfire is a popular summer event, and you can watch the fire from mostly anywhere in Nara. Tobihino Field and Sarusawa Pond are very popular viewing places. The fire only lasts about 10 min.

Light up: 20:00~

Around Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Station:

Aug. 19(fri) – 21(sun) Heijo Palace Site Summer Night Festival (Heijo-kyo Tenpyo-sai Natsu)
@ Heijo Palace Site
See a related journal entry for details: click here.

Around Horyuji Temple and Nishino-kyo:

Aug. 23(tue) & 24(wed) Special Viewing of Hidden Statue
@ Jizo-do Hall in Toshodaiji Temple
A statue of Jizo, a Buddhist saint for children, is open to the public. This opening is a part of Jizo Bon Ceremony, a Buddhist ceremony to pray for children’s healthy growth to Jizo. The statue is an important cultural property.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide 

Heijo Palace Site Summer Night Festival (Heijo-kyo Tenpyo-sai Natsu)

Enjoy your summer nights at Heijo Palace Site. From Aug. 19(fri) to 21(sun), a summer festival is held at Heijo Palace Site. There will be light installations, parades of people wearing a traditional costume with electric light decorations, food stands, music stages and more.

All Three Days:
16:00 – 21:00 Food and Goods Stands
18:30 – 20:45 Music and Performance Stage
-On Aug. 19, the stage ends at 20:00.
-On Aug. 19, there will be a stage by NMB48 starting from 19:15. (NMB48 is a Japanese pop girl group based in Namba, Osaka. They are one of sister groups of AKB48.)
18:30 – 21:00 Light Installations
-More than 10 light installations illuminate the palace site.
19:00 – 20:00 Parade of Light
- People wearing costumes of 1300 years ago (with electric light decorations!) walk in procession.
- You can try a similar costume that people are wearing in the parade for 500yen (17:00 – 21:00)

Only on Aug. 19:
20:00 – 20:15 Fireworks
-If it rains, fireworks will be postponed to Aug. 20.

Access:
-15 min. walk from Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Station
-20 min. by bus from JR/Kintetsu Nara Station to Sakicho bus stop. 1 min. walk from there.
(Take a bus No. 12 or 14 from a bus stop No. 7 at JR Nara Station/ a bus stop No. 13 at Kintetsu Nara Station. 270yen. Only 1 or 2 bus is scheduled per hour.)
-Shuttle buses are planned to run from Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Station (South Exit)/JR Nara Station (West Exit) to Heijo Palace Site.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide

Fireworks Pickups! (2011)

Expect crowds, traffic jam, summer heat and beautiful fireworks! There are more fireworks festivals than listed below.

Mie: The 59^th Fireworks Competition Dedicated to Ise Jingu Shrine

July 16(sat) 19:25-around 21:15

(Postponed to 17th if weather is stormy)

@Riverbank of Miyagawa River near Watarai Bridge (upper stream side) (10min ride on a shuttle bus from Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station/JR Iseshi Station)

*Shuttle buses from the stations to the competition ground run 17:00~19:30, from the competition ground to the stations run from 20:00 to 30min after fireworks are finished. Runs every 15-20min. Fare: 180yen/person

ca. 9000 fireworks

Osaka: Fireworks Dedicated to Tenjin Matsuri Festival

July 25(mon) around 19:00-21:00

(Cancelled if rains)

@Ohkawa area in Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Sakuranomiya Park ground

ca. 3000 fireworks

Website

Nara: Fireworks Dedicated to the 55^th Onpara Matsuri Festival

July 31(sun) 19:30-20:10

(Go rain or shine; cancelled if weather is stormy)

@Shiba Undo Koen Park (15min walk from JR Miwa Station; walk towards west from the station)

ca. 2000 fireworks

Nara: Uda-city Haibara Fireworks Festival

August 4(thu) 19:30-21:00

(Postponed to 5th if weather is stormy)

@Udagawa River riverbank (3min walk from Kintetsu Haibara Station)

ca. 3000 fireworks

Osaka: The 23^rd Naniwa Yodo River Fireworks Festival

August 6(sat) 19:50-20:40

(Go rain or shine; postponed to 7th if weather is stormy)

@Yodo River riverbank (between Shin Midosuji Yodogawa railway bridge and National Highway Route 2)

Website

Kobe: The 41^st Minato Kobe Fireworks Festival

August 6(sat) 19:40-20:30

(Go rain or shine; cancelled if weather is stormy)

@Meriken Park

ca. 10,000 fireworks

Website(This is a link to last year’s website. Date and Time are wrong, but Map, Transportation and Inquiry parts are useful.)

 Shiga: 2011 Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival

August 8(mon) 19:30-20:30

(Go rain or shine; postponed to 11th if weather is stormy)

@Otsu Port, Lake Biwa(5min walk from Keihan Hamaotsu Station, 15min walk from JR Otsu Station) (Access to Otsu Port)

ca. 10,000 fireworks

Website (Jpn Only)

Kyoto: The 51^st Uji River Fireworks Festival

August 10(wed) 19:45-20:45

(Go rain or shine; postponed to 13th if weather is stormy)

@Uji Bridge area (10min walk from JR/Keihan Uji Station)

ca. 5000 fireworks

Website (Jpn Only)

Nara: The 40^th Yoshino River Fireworks Festival

August 15(mon) 20:00-21:00

(Go rain or shine; cancelled if weather is stormy)

@Riverbank of Yoshino River, near Ookawa Bridge (upper stream side) (10min walk from JR Gojo Station)

ca. 4000 fireworks

Sue
-NARAWALK guide  

Events around Nara Park (July 2011)

Around Nara Park:

July 5(tue) Priest Chogen Commemorative Ceremony (Syunjyo-ki) and Special Viewing of a Hidden Statue

@Todaiji Temple, Syunjo-do Hall (near the Great Bell)

Chogen is a Buddhist priest who made a great contribution in repairing Great Buddha and reconstructing Great Buddha Hall in late 12^th century.

8:00 ~ Commemorative Ceremony

After the ceremony (around 11:00)~16:00 Special Viewing of a Hidden Statue (*Seated Statue of Chogen, National Treasure, 13^th century This statue is open to the public twice a year on July 5 and Dec. 16 annualy.)

July 7(thu) Ritual Ceremony for Benzaiten (Benzaiten-ku) and Special Opening of Three-storied Pagoda

@Kofukuji Temple, Three-storied Pagoda

Benzaiten was originally an Indian goddess of river Sarasvati. In Japan, she is known as a goddess of wisdom, music and fortune. Buddhist priests at Kofukuji Temple used to worship Benzaiten wishing for progress in their Buddhist studies. Benzaiten statue is enshrined in Three-storied Pagoda (National Treasure, around early 13^th century).

10:00 ~ Ritual Ceremony

9:00 ~ 16:00 Pagoda is open for the public viewing. This is an annual, once a year opening day. You can see Benzaiten statue and wall paintings of the first floor. Though faded, there are, in total, 4000 Buddha figures on the wall.

July 16(sat) Pay Respect to Enma Day (Enma moude)

@Byakugoji Temple

Enma is the lord of hell deciding who should go to hell and be punished. July 16 is said to be a holiday at hell; people in the hell get a rest from endless torture. On this day, people in this world pay respect to Enma wishing for health and longevity. At Byakugoji Temple, boiled konjac with miso paste and paper fans are offered to visitors (limited number). On paper fans, the temple’s head Buddhist priest has drawn a picture of Enma.

10:00 ~ Ritual Ceremony

July 23(sat) Special Viewing of Naked Jizo Statue

@Denkoji Temple

Jizo is a Buddhist saint. Jizo statue at Denkoji Temple was sculpted in naked form and wears real clothes. July 23 is an annual day for Jizo statue to change into new clothes. Jizo statue is open to the public only on March 12 and July 23.

17:00 ~ 18:00 Ritual Ceremony to Change Jizo’s Clothes

July 28(thu) Purification Ceremony For Summer (Gejyo-e)

8:00 ~ @Todaiji Temple, Great Buddha Hall

Buddhist priests pray for people to stay healthy during summer. In the beginning of the ceremony priests walk through a Chi-no-wa ring, a fresh green grass rope coiled into a 2 meters wide circle. After the ceremony, everyone is welcome to walk through the Chi-no-wa ring to pray for health.

Around Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Station:

July 17(sun) Lotus Flower Ceremony (Renge-eshiki)

@ Hokkeji Temple

This is an annual purification ceremony for summer held at Hokkeji Temple. The ceremony is held in the evening with lanterns lighting up the temple precinct. In the beginning of the ceremony

Buddhist nuns walk through a Chi-no-wa ring, a fresh green grass rope coiled into a 2 meters wide circle. Before the ceremony, a bowl of rice porridge is served to everyone for free. People eat this porridge wishing for health.

17:00 ~ Rice porridge is served.

19:00 ~ Ritual Ceremony starts.

~ 21:00 Doors of the temple close.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide 

Torch Lit Noh Play

The annual Takigi Noh or torch lit Noh play will be held this weekend in Kasuga Grand Shrine and Kofukuji Temple, Nara.　First performed in 869, this torch lit Noh play has the longest tradition among torch lit Noh plays performed in Japan. (From this year on, Takigi Noh is scheduled on third Friday and Saturday of May. Next year's Takigi Noh is on May 18 and May 19.)

Noh plays at Kasuga Grand Shrine are performed in older styles of Noh which you are unlikely to see in a theatre.

Schedule

May 20(fri)
11:00~ 12:15@Maidono(Dancing Hall) in Kasuga Grand Shrine
 Noh play: "Okina"
17:30~20:30 @Nara Park(an area adjacent to Kofuji Temple and in front of Nara Prefectural Building)*
 Noh play: "Iwafune"
 (Torches will be lit after Noh play "Iwafune")
 Kyogen play(comical play): "Onigawara"
 Noh play: "Kagetsu"

May 21(sat)
14:00~15:15@Wakamiya Shrine (near the main hall of Kasuga Grand Shrine)
 Noh play:"Katsuragi"
17:30~20:30 @Nara Park(an area adjacent to Kofuji Temple and in front of Nara Prefectural Building)*
 Noh play: "Hagoromo"
 (Torches will be lit after Noh play "Hagoromo")
 Kyogen play(comical play): "Tsukuzukushi"
 Noh play: "Nue"

*If rains, plays are performed in Nara Prefuctural Culture Hall(Nara-ken Bunka Kaikan). (map: see point A)

Tickets: 4000yen per person
Sold at the entrance of each venues. =May 20= 10:00 ~ @Kasuga Grand Shrine, 15:00~@Kofukuji Temple. =May 21= 13:00~ @Kasuga Grand Shrine, 15:00~ @Kofukuji Temple.
Tickets are good for one day. With one ticket, you can enjoy a day-time Noh play at Kasuga Grand Shrine and night-time torch lit Noh plays in Nara Park.
Limited free seats are available, but to get best views to enjoy performances buy a ticket. (No free seats at Nara Prefectural Culture Hall) As the performances are put on an outside stages, you might be able to have free views of performances from a distance.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide 

Events around Nara Park (April 2011)

Around Nara Park:

April 5(tue) Chinka-sai Festival of Mizuya Shrine

@Mizuya Shrine in the precinct of Kasuga Grand Shrine

Started in 1288, this is a festival to pray for protection from a plague. Kyogen, traditional comic dramas, are offered to deities after the festival. Kyogen plays are performed by Kasuga Grand Shrine’s Shinto priests and others.

10:00~ Chinka-sai Festival

13:00~ Offertory of Kyogen Play

April 5(tue)- April 10(sun) Special Opening of Honbo Office, Tenno-den Hall and Jibutsu-do Hall

@Todaiji Temple (Buildings above are located just north of Great South Gate)

40 paintings on Fusuma sliding doors, portraits of emperor Shomu and empress Komyo and reproduction of their imperial clothing are on display. Paintings are works by Junsaku Koizumi. Among 40 paintings on Fusuma sliding doors, completed last year, you can see pictures of Nara’s famous cherry blossoms.

Time: 10:00~17:00(April 5-7)/10:00~20:00(April 8-10) *Enter 30min before the closing time.

Admission: 1000yen *Children under 12yrs old are free. *All proceeds go to earthquake relief.

April 8(fri) Sakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday

April 8 is said to be the birthday of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. Many temples hold a ceremony to celebrate his birthday. Usually a birth statue of Buddha is placed in front of a hall. The statue is enshrined in a small temporary shrine decorated with flowers. Sweet tea made from Amacha, a type of hydrangea, are poured onto a birth statue of Buddha.

@Todaiji Temple in Great Buddha Hall

8:00~9:00 Ceremony

8:00~15:00 Pouring tea over a birth statue of Buddha

*You can pour and taste Amacha tea by and for yourself.

@Kofukuji Temple in Nanen-do Hall

10:00~ Ceremony

You can visit the temporary shrine for a birth statue of Buddha till around 16:00. Amacha tea is offered to visitors.

April 17(sun) Hojyo-e Ceremony

13:00~ @ Kofukuji Temple

Hojyo-e literally means “a ceremony to release living creatures”. This ceremony reminds people of a Buddhist commandment – do not kill. In Kofukuji Temple’s Hoyo-e Ceremony 1500 fish are released to Sarusawa Pond after a ritual ceremony.

April 19(tue) Manju Festival

@ Kangou Shrine (5min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station)

Manju is a steamed bun with sweet bean paste inside. The first person who made Manju in Japan was a Chinese named Lin from 14 century. He lived near Kangou Shrine where a small shrine for him, Lin Shrine, stands now. April 19 is Lin’s death anniversary. Confectionary companies throughout the country offer their confectionaries to Lin’s soul.

11:00~ 12:00 ritual ceremony

Tea and Manju (*a limited number) are offered to visitors until around 14:00.

April 21(thu) Death Anniversary of Kukai

Kukai is one of the most worshipped Buddhist priest in Japan. April 21 (March 21 in lunar calendar) is his death anniversary. On this day, many temples throughout Japan hold a ceremony to commemorate him.

@Daianji Temple where young Kukai learned Buddhism

13:00~ ritual ceremony

14:00~ Homa ritual

*Kukai’s hair is open to the public only on this day. Temple’s treasured Buddhist statues are also open to the public.

April 23(sat) – May 8(sun) Special Opening of Hokuen-do Hall

Hokuen-do Hall houses three national treasure statues from 13 century. The hall itself is also designated as a national treasure.

9:00~17:00 (admission till 16:45) @Kofukuji Temple

Admission: Adults 300yen, Students 200yen, Elementary School Students 100yen

April 23(sat) – May 8(sun) Special Viewing of Temple Treasures

9:00~17:00(enter before 16:30) @Gangoji Temple

Chikou Mandala (important cultural property) and two picture scrolls are open to the public. Two picture scrolls, each over 10m (32ft) long, depict the history of Gangoji Temple. Chikou Mandala depicts paradise of Amitabha Buddha.

April 24(sun) Offertory of Kyudo

14:00~ @Kasuga Grand Shrine

Kyudo or Japanese archery is offered to the deities. Men in traditional warrior class costumes perform Kyudo. Archers are from Ogasawara school, a Kyudo school with over 800 year olds tradition.

April 25(mon) Monju-e Ceremony

Monju or Manjusri is a bodhisattva of wisdom. In this ceremony children’s healthy growth and academic success are prayed.

14:30~ A procession of children in traditional costumes. Starts from Jyokyoji Temple on Sanjyo St. and walks to Kofukuji Temple.

15:00~ Ritual ceremony at Tokondo Hall in Kofukuji Temple

April 26(tue) Hana-matsuri Festival with thousand Buddhist monks

13:00~ @Todaiji Temple, Great Buddha Hall

Thousand Buddhist monks from various Buddhist sects gather to pray together at Todaiji Temple. Monks’ outfits are slightly different from a sect to a sect – it might be interesting to compare their outfits.

Around Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Station:

April 9(sat) – April 10(sun) Big Cup Tea Ceremony

@ Saidaiji Temple

Experience a unique tea ceremony using big tea cups – 30cm in diameter and 7kg in weight. Of course other tea utensils are big too. A Buddhist priest makes tea with 35cm long tea whisk!

Fee: 3000yen (includes a tea ceremony, light meal, Homa ritual and admission into the main hall)

Around Horyuji Temple and Nishino-kyo:

April 8(fri) Sakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday

April 8 is said to be the birthday of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. Many temples hold a ceremony to celebrate his birthday. Usually a birth statue of Buddha is placed in front of a hall. The statue is enshrined in a small temporary shrine decorated with flowers. Sweet tea made from Amacha, a type of hydrangea, are poured onto a birth statue of Buddha.

10:00~ @ Jiki-do Hall in Horyuji Temple

April 11(mon) – May 18(wed) Special Viewing of Hidden Statues

@ Hall of Dreams in Eastern Precinct of Horyuji Temple

A national treasure statue of Kannon Bodhisattva made in 7 century is enshrined in this hall. The Kannon statue is said to be modeled after Prince Shotoku, the father of Japanese Buddhism.

Admission: Adults(13yrs old and up) 1000yen for West and Eastern Precincts or 200yen for Eastern Precinct only, Elementary School Students(12-6 year olds) 100yen

Events around Nara Park (March 2011)

Around Nara Park:

Feb.1(tue)- March 10(thr) Shika-yose (Deer Herding)

With a sound of horn deer gathers to get feeds. Horn plays the Pastoral Symphony by Beethoven.

10:00~10:15 @Tobihino Field (open field near the main approach of Kasuga Grand Shrine)

March 1(tue) – March 14(mon) Syuni-e in Todaiji Temple

Syuni-e literary means “a ritual ceremony held in February”. On behalf of all the people, monks repent sins to Kannon Bodhisattva. Some Syuni-e are held in March following the lunar calendar.

@February Hall in Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple’s Syuni-e is popularly known as Omizutori(Water Drawing Ritual) or Otaimatsu(Torches). Otaimatsu is especially popular among tourists for the size of torches used and the grand view of falling sparks. Torches used in Otaimatsu are about 6 meters long and weighs about 40kg. The biggest torch appearing on March 12 is about 8 meters long and weighs about 70kg.

March 1 – March 11 / 19:00~19:20 / 10 torches

March 12 / 19:30~20:15 / 11 torches

March 13 / 19:00~19:20 / 10 torches

March 14 / 18:30~18:35 / 10 torches

*Sundays and Saturdays and March 14 are crowded.

*March 12 is especially crowded. Number of people entering February Hall area will be controlled. Every year twenty to thirty thousand people come on this day, but viewing area can accommodate only three to four thousand people.

March 5(sat) – 6(sun) Nara Sweets Market

11:00~17:00 @ Nara Merchant Seed Center on Mochiidono Street

Seven sweets shops of Nara favored by locals gather at one location for your convenience. Try some and find out your favorite Nara sweets!

March 12(sat) Special Viewing of a “naked Jizo” Statue

9:00~16:00 @ Denkoji Temple

Jizo Bodhisattva Statue of Denkoji Temple is nicknamed “naked Jizo.” Most Buddhist statues are curved with some clothes on, but this statue was curved in a naked form. The statue wears actual kimono instead.

March 13(sun) Kasuga-sai Festival

Kasuga-sai Festival is the most important of all festivals held in Kasuga Grand Shrine. An imperial envoy attends this festival. Peace and welfare of the nation is prayed.

9:00~12:00 @ Kasuga Grand Shrine

*Only the rituals held along the main approach (from the second Torii gate onward) are available for public viewing. A procession of an imperial envoy, Shinto priests and others in traditional costumes is a pretty view (9:00~).

March 15(tue) Otaue-Shinji Ritual

11:00~ @ Kasuga Grand Shrine

Otaue means rice planting. In this ritual, maidens dance to a traditional rice planting song to pray for rich harvest. Maidens’ dance gestures rice planting.

March 19(sat) – 21(mon) The 19^th Deer Cracker Throwing Contest

@ Wakakusa-yama Hill

This is a unique contest competing the distance of a deer cracker thrown. Among the crowds watching the contest are deer trying to eat deer crackers thrown by contestants. The winner will be awarded with deer antlers!

Entry starts 9:30~ (entry fee: 300yen)

Contest is scheduled to start 10:00~

* During contest entry into Wakakusa-yama Hill is free.

Late March to early April (while the flower is in bloom) “Samurai” Camellia

9:00~16:00 @ Denkoji Temple (fee: 300yen)

Unlike usual ones, camellias at Denkoji Temple shed their flowers petal by petal like a cherry blossom. Beautifully falling petals remind people of a samurai spirit - “be gracious in defeat.” For this people call Denkoji Temple’s camellias “samurai” camellia.

*Last year camellia bloomed around March 20.

Around Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Station:

March 20(sun) –April 7(thu) Special Viewing of a Hidden Statue

9:00~17:00 @ Hokkeji Temple

A national treasure Kannon Bodhisattva statue is open for the public viewing.

March 21(mon) Nara Brush Festival

10:00~15:00 @ Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine

This is a thanksgiving festival for your old used brushes. There will be a mass for old brushes. You can buy new brushes, and you can also try a brush making at the festival.

March 23(wed) – April 7(thu) Special Viewing of a Hidden Statue

9:00~17:00 @ Kairyuouji Temple

An important cultural property Kannon Bodhisattva statue is open for the public viewing. Kairyuouji Temple is known as a temple to pray for “a safe trip abroad.”

Around Horyuji and Nishino-kyo:

March 1(tue) – April 10(sun) Special Viewing of Treasure Hall

@ Yakushiji Temple

March 1(tue) – March 21(mon) Special Viewing of the Inside of West Pagoda

11:00~11:30/ 13:00~13:30/ 15:00~15:30 @ Yakushiji Temple

What is the inside of a pagoda look like? Go to Yakushiji Temple and find it out!

March 1(tue) – March 21(mon) Special Viewing of the Inside of East Pagoda

@ Yakushiji Temple (fee: 500yen for this special viewing)

What is the inside of a pagoda look like? Go to Yakushiji Temple and find it out! East Pagoda stands since 8^th century.

March 21(mon) Oeshiki Taiya Ceremony

18:00~ @ Syoryo-in (Hall of Prince Shotoku’s Soul) in Horyuji Temple

Oeshiki Taiya Ceremony is a ceremony held in the eve of Oeshiki, a ceremony to commemorate the founder of a Buddhist school. This is not a tourist popular ceremony, but if you go you can have a very close look at the hidden statues of this hall after the ceremony ends.

March 22(tue) – March 24(thu) Oeshiki Ceremony in Horyuji Temple

Oeshiki is a memorial service held to commemorate the founder of a Buddhist school/sect. For Horyuji Temple the founder is Prince Shotoku, also known as the father of Japanese Buddhism.

Ritual: March 22/ 13:00 ~ @ Daikodo(Great Lecture Hall)

*This year’s ritual is a grand ritual ceremony held once in every 10 years.

Special Viewing of Statues: March 22 – 24 @ Syoryo-in (Hall of Prince Shotoku’s Soul)

*Statues of Prince Shotoku and others enshrined in this Hall are open to the public only for these three days.

* The altar in Syoryo-in (Hall of Prince Shotoku’s Soul) is decorated with offertory foods. Those foods, uniquely piled up, are one of the attractions.

March 28(mon) Ominugui or Cleaning of Buddhist Statues

13:00 ~ @ Yakushiji Temple

This is a part of a preparation for upcoming Syuni-e Ceremony in Yakushiji Temple.

March 30(wed) – April 5(tue) Syuni-e in Yakushiji Temple

Syuni-e literary means “a ritual ceremony held in February”. On behalf of all the people, monks repent sins to Medicine Buddha. Some Syuni-e are held in March following the lunar calendar.

@ Yakushiji Temple

Syuni-e at Yakushiji Temple is popularly known as Hana-eshiki or Flowery Ceremony. Handmade paper flowers offered to the Yakushi (Medicine) Buddha beautifully decorate the altar.

#Rituals#

Syuni-e Rituals:

March 30 / 19:00 ~ and 20:30 ~

March 31 – April 4 / 3:00 ~, 4:30 ~, 13:00~, 14:30 ~, 19:00 ~ and 20:30 ~

April 5 / 3:00 ~, 4:30 ~, 13:00~, 14:30 ~, 19:00 ~ (the last ritual)

Jingu (a ritual to wish for a successful completion of Syuni-e): April 5 / 18:30~

Oni-oi (Drive Away Evils) Ceremony: April 5 / 20:30 ~

* At Oni-oi Ceremony, demon figures brandish torches. Watch out for fire sparks!

#Events during Syuni-e#

Open Air Tea Ceremony: March 31 – April 5 / 10:30~15:00

Offertories of dance, music, etc: March 31 – April 4 / 13:00~

>March 31: Offertory of flower by Japanese flower arrangement master & Taiko (Japanese drum music)

>April 1: Offertory of incense & Noh dance

>April 2: Offertory of tea & Bugaku(traditional Japanese music and dance)

>April 3: Offertory of Taisho harp music & Procession of children in traditional costumes (If it rains, procession may be cancelled.)

>April 4: Homa Ritual& Procession of children in traditional costumes

Sue
-NARAWALK guide

Treasures of Todai-ji's Omizutori Ritual

People say Omizutori or Water Drawing Ritual at the Todaiji Temple brings spring to Nara.

An exhibition focusing on Omizutori Ritual is held in Nara National Museum. As well as paintings and documents showing history of and people's faith in Omizutori Ritual, equipment used during the ritual are on display. My favourite exhibit is Kamiko, a paper-made clothe wore and handmade by monks attending the ritual.

Omizutori Ritual is one of the most tourist popular rituals held annually in Nara. Visit the museum before going to the ritual to enjoy it more. Of course, joining a Nara Walk tour and listing histories and stories about Omizutori Ritual would enhance your experience even more!

Duration: ~2011.3.14
Closed on Mondays except for Feb. 14, Mar. 7 and Mar. 14.
Hours: 9:30~17:00
*Feb.8-14 till 21:00, Mar.1-11 till 18:00, Mar. 12 till 19:00, Mar. 13 and 14 till 18:00
*Entrance permitted until 30 min before the closing time.
Admission: Adults 500yen, Univ. Students 250yen
*Seniors(70 and older) and those 18 and under are free.
*Half price off for married couples on Feb. 22.
Access: click here

*****

Omizutori Ritual will be held from Mar.1 to 14 in Todaiji Temple.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide

Events around Deer Park (Feb. 2011)

Around Nara Park:

Feb.1(tue)- March 10(thr) Shika-yose (Deer Herding)

With a sound of horn deer gathers to get feeds. Horn plays the Pastoral Symphony by Beethoven.

10:00~10:15 @Tobihino Field (open field near the main approach of Kasuga Grand Shrine)

Feb. 3(thr) Setsubun

Setsubun is a day before a new season, but in general it refers to only one day – the eve of spring. At the turn of seasons evils are believed to come out. On Setsubun beans are scattered through out the country to drive away evils.

@February Hall in Todaiji Temple

14:00 ~ Scattering Beans.

18:00~ Hoshikuyo – a ritual to pray upon one’s guardian stars for peace and happiness of that year. 135 stone lanterns along the way from near Great Buddha Hall to February Hall are lit.

@Tamukeyama Hachiman Shrine (in the precinct of Todaiji Temple)

11:00~ Onda Festival – a ritual to pray for agricultural fertility. In this ritual, rice planting process is performed in Noh style. Afterwards beans are scattered.

@Kofukuji Temple

18:30~ A ritual ceremony to pray for peace and happiness

19:00~ Driving away demons and scattering beans

@Kasuga Grand Shrine

17:30~ Offertory of Bugaku, traditional Japanese court music and dances

18:00~ All 3000 lanterns are lit.

*With donation of 3000yen or more, you can light up a lantern by yourself.

20:30 Gates closed.

@Gangoji Temple

12:00~ Ceremony in the Main Hall

13:00~ Homa Ritual and Ascetic Training (walking over fire)

*You can join the ascetic training of walking over fire if you wish.

15:00~ Scattering Beans

@Daianji Temple

14:00~ Homa Ritual

15:00~ Scattering Beans

*Amazake, sweet low-alcoholic drink, is offered to visitors.

Feb. 8(tue) Special Viewing of Kannon Bodhisattva

10:00~17:00 @ Jiganji Temple (10min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station)

This Kannon Bodhisattva statue is open to the public twice a year. A ceremony is held from 8:00.

Feb. 8(tue)-Feb. 14(mon) Nara Rurie

During Nara Rurie, Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine are open till 20:30. Pathways connecting these three locations are illuminated by various lanterns ranging from traditional stone lanterns to modern artistic lanterns.

*Light-up and Night Time Opening Hours*

=Light-ups & illumination: 17:30 – 20:30

=Fireworks: around 18:00 (*only on Feb. 8)

=Todaiji Temple: 17:30 – 20:30

March Hall is open. *Great Buddha Hall is not open.

Free live music at near by Ukigumo-enchi Park starting 19:00 on Feb 8.

=Kofukuji Temple: 17:30 – 20:30

Eastern Golden Hall and Kofukuji National Treasure House are open.

Five Storied Pagoda is lit up.

=Kasuga Grand Shrine: 17:30 – 20:30

Main shrine is open. All lanterns are lit. There are about 3000 lanterns.

Free live music at Manyo Botanical Garden starting 19:00 on Feb 9 and 10. Feb 10 is traditional Japanese music. Garden is located along the main approach.

Nara National Museum is also open till 21:00 (*but enter before 20:30).

Feb. 15(tue) Nehan-e

February 15 is the day Sakyamuni Buddha died and entered nirvana or Nehan. Ritual ceremonies are held to commemorate this day.

10:00~ @ Honbo in Kofukuji Temple

*Amazake, sweet low-alcoholic drink, is offered to visitors.

Around Horyuji and Nishino-kyo:

Feb. 1(tue) – 3(thr) Syuni-e

Syuni-e literary means “a ritual ceremony held in February”. On behalf of all the people, monks repent sins to Buddha. Some Syuni-e are held in March following the lunar calendar.

@ Saiendo Hall in Horyuji Temple

(Feb.1&2) 13:00~ / (Feb.3) 17:00~ Syuni-e

(Feb.3) 19:00~ Tsuina-siki

*Tsuina means “driving away evils”. In this ceremony three demon figures are drove out from the Hall.

Feb.5(sat) Sanzo-e

10:00~ @ Sanzoin Hall in Horyuji Temple

A ceremony is held to commemorate Sanzo or Xuanzang, a famous Chinese Buddhist monk. He is also popularly known as one of fictional heroes of “Journey to the West” or “Monkey”.

Feb. 11(fri) Sunakake Festival

@ Hirose Shrine (30min walk or 10min drive from JR Horyuji Station)

This is a festival to pray for agricultural fertility. The highlight of this festival is Sunakake – that is throwing and pouring sands at each other. Visitors are welcome to join in Sunakake. Sand symbolizes rain - harder the sand throwing, greater the rainfall and thus richer the harvest.

11:00~ Ceremoney – rice planting play like ceremoney

13:30~ Offertory of Drum Music

14:00~ Sunakake (done 8 times, each is 5 min long)

Feb. 15(tue) Nehan-e

February 15 is the day Sakyamuni Buddha died and entered nirvana or Nehan. Ritual ceremonies are held to commemorate this day.

@ Raido Hall in Toshodaiji Temple

13:30~@ Daikodo in Horyuji Temple

Sue
-NARAWALK guide

The Beauty of Iron Sword Guards

Look at the picture. What do you think they are? (for larger view click here) Hint ... samurai warrior.


This is a picture of iron sword guards. They are exhibited at Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum in Kyoto. Have a close look at them, and find out their elaborate designs and how fashionable samurai warriors were to the detail!

Duration: ~2011.2.20
Time:10:00-17:00(enter before 16:30)
Admission: Adults 500yen, Students (with ID) 300yen, Children(6-12 years old) 200yen, Children under 5 years old are free
Access : click here

~from the exhibition's poster~
Iron sword guards are made by poring melting iron into molds ... that is what many people think. Not true for most of them. Iron sword guards making is much like that of sword blades, formed through numerous heating and hammering. Hardened guard bodies are then sculpted using chisels and hammers.

Sculpting a hardened iron takes a great endeavour. It would take a few weeks to make one iron sword guard, one to two months if the design requires fine, detailed sculpting. Iron sword guards with relief are marvelous iron sculptures.

Enjoy this exhibition, and do remember while enjoying the difficulty and perseverance of sculpting hardened irons.
~~

Sue
-NARAWALK guide

Spirit of Ink and Brush

One of my homework during winter vacation back in my elementary school days was to write down a New Year's resolution using ink and brush. I don't write it with ink and brush anymore, but New Year reminds me of ink and brush.

The most celebrated artist of ink brush is Wang Xizhi(303-361). He is a Chinese calligrapher lived in Jin Dynasty, and also known as the Sage of Calligraphy.

In Kyoto National Museum, an exhibition titled "Spirit of Ink and Brush - the World of Chinese Paintings and Calligraphies" is held. In this exhibition 110 works of calligraphy and Chinese paintings, including 10 National Treasures and 23 Important Cultural Properties, are on display. Works of Wang Xizhi are included too!




















Duration: ~2011.2.20
Closed on Mondays
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Entrance Until 5:30 p.m.)
Fridays 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (Entrance Until 7:30 p.m.)
Admission: Adults 1200yen, High School/Univ. Students 800yen, Elem./Junior High Sch. Students 400yen

*****

Ink is one of Nara's traditional industry. Including more than 400 years old Ink company, Kobaien, you will walk by several ink and brush shops in our daily tours.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide

Events around Nara Park (Jan. 2011)

Enjoy New Year and New Year Events in Nara!

Around Nara Park:

Jan.1 (sat) Hatsumode

The first visit to a shrine/temple in a year is called Hatsumode. Hatusmode is usually done from Jan. 1 to 7. Visit to a famous shrine/temple is very crowded especially from Jan.1 to Jan. 3.

@ Kasuga Grand Shrine

0:00 ~ Gates open with a sound of a drum.

@ Todaiji Temple

0:00 ~ 8:00 The Great Buddha Hall is free of admission. The window on the Great Buddha Hall, through which the Buddha’s face appears, opens.

0:00 ~ Sutra chanting at the February Hall. About 135 stone lanterns are lit to light the way from the Great Buddha Hall to the February Hall.

Jan. 2 (sun) Kofukuji Temple’s monks’ visit to Kasuga Grand Shrine

10:00 ~ Monks at Kofukuji Temple make a New Year’s visit to Kasuga Grand Shrine. Sutras are chanted at the Middle Gate of Kasuga Grand Shrine and at Wakamiya Shrine as an offertory to deities. Monks’ colorful robes are eye-catching.

Jan. 3 (mon) Kagura-hajime-siki in Kasuga Grand Shrine

11:00 ~ Kagura is Shinto’s offertory music and dances. At Kagura-hajime-siki, the first Kagura of a year is offered to deities to pray for a peace of a nation and to wish for a safe offertory of Kagura to deities throughout the year.

Jan. 7 (fri) Syusyo-e in Todaiji Temple

13:00 ~ 14:40 @ the Great Buddha Hall

Syusyo-e is a Buddhist ritual held in the New Year season to pray for a peace and wellness of that year.

Jan. 10 (mon) Ebisu Festival in Kasuga Grand Shrine

9:00 ~ 15:00 @ Sarake Shrine near Wakamiya Shrine

Ebisu Festival on Jan 10 is especially popular in Kansai area. Ebisu is a deity for commerce. On this day, people go to an Ebisu Shrine to get lucky bamboo branches.

Jan. 10 (mon) Bugaku-hajime-siki in Kasuga Grand Shrine

13:00 ~ @ the Garden of Apple

Bugaku is traditional Japanese court music and dances. At Bugaku-hajime-siki, the first Bugaku of a year is offered to deities to wish for a safe offertory of Bugaku to deities throughout the year.

Jan. 10 (mon) Coming of Age Day

Coming of Age Day is a national holiday to welcome youth turning into 20 years old as an adult member of a community. On this day, most municipal governments hold a ceremony, and you’ll see many 20-year-olds dressed up in Kimono to attend the ceremony.

Jan. 15 (sat) New Year Tea Ceremony with XL Size Tea-Cup in Saidaiji Temple

10:00 ~ 15:00 Enjoy tea with your neighbor ... more precisely, with the help of your neighbor. The tea cup used in this tea ceremony is 30cm in diameter! You share the drink with your neighbor too. Drink Fee: 1000yen per person.

Jan. 22 (sat) Mountain-burning event at Mt. Wakakusa

18:00 Fireworks marking the beginning of the event

18:15 Fire up the mountain

A picturesque event of Nara - see the burning red Mt. Wakakusa lighting up under fireworks.

Jan. 23 (sun) Tonndo in Kasuga Grand Shrine

9:00 ~ 15:00 @ Tobihino Field (an open field near the main approach of Kasuga Grand Shrine)

Tonndo concludes New Year’s events. In Tondo, New Year ornaments and old lucky charms, brought to a shrine/temple by visitors during New Year season, are burned up.

Jan. 23 (sun) Cancer Prevention – Bamboo Sake Festival in Daianji Temple

8:00 ~16:00 Daianji Temple is known for cancer prevention. Sasa-zake (Bamboo Sake) offered at this temple is believed to prevent and/or cure people from Cancer. Sake is poured from a bamboo cylinder and drank with a bamboo cup. Sasa-zake 500yen.

Nishinokyo and Horyuji Area:

Jan. 1 (sat) Syusho-e

Syusyo-e is a Buddhist ritual held in the New Year season to pray for a peace and wellness of that year.

＠Toshodaiji Temple

0:00 ~ (also on Jan.3, 18:00 ~)

@Yakushiji Temple

0:00 ~

(2:00 ~ Beginning of YearSsermon; 9:00 ~ till Jan. 3 New Year Sutra Copying Session; 13:30 ~ till Jan.3 New Year’s Sermon)

Jan. 1 (sat) ~ Jan. 3 (mon) Worship of a Buddha’s Relic in Horyuji Temple

13:00 ~ @ Shari-den Hall (near the Hall of Dream)

In this ritual one very legendary relic is worshiped. Prince Shotoku, the father of Japanese Buddhism, has many legends. When he was 2, he said a prayer and a Buddha’s relic appeared on his palm. On these days, you can see this legendary relic. Also hidden pictures depicting Prince Shotoku’s life are open to the public.

Jan. 8 (sat) Reading of the Great Prajna Sutra in Yakushiji Temple

11:00 ~ Reading of the Great Prajna Sutra is held every month on 8^th day. The main object of worship in Yakushiji Temple is Yakushi (Medicine) Buddha. 8^th day is a day for Yakushi Buddha in Yakushiji Temple.

Jan. 15 (sat) Reading of the Great Prajna Sutra in Toshodaiji Temple

The Great Prajna Sutra consists of 600 volumes. All 600 volumes will be read.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide

Events around Nara Park (Dec. 2010)

Here is a short list of events around Nara Park.　Enjoy December in Nara!

Around Nara Park:

Dec. 5 (sun) Nara Marathon 2010

8:30-15:00 @Nara-city

During marathon hours some bus lines, including the ones that goes to Todaiji Temple, may be cancelled or change their routes. Keep in mind about traffic irregularities, if you are coming on this day.

Dec. 14 (tue) Butsumyo-e in Todaiji Temple

8:30-12:00 @ Nigatsudo Hall

Monks recite the names of Buddhist deities to repent all sins of that year. Cannot see the ritual itself, but can listen to the chanting.

Dec. 15 (wed) – Dec. 18 (sat) Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri

@Kasuga Grand Shrine and other places

This is a festival held since 1136. The deity of Wakamiya shirne makes his once a year trip to his vacation house near the city centre. Foods and dances are offered to the deity. On Dec. 17, there is a very good chance to see various Japanese traditional performing arts.

Dec. 16 (thu) Special viewing of 3 National Treasure Statues in Todaiji Temple

1) 10:00-16:00 @Kaisando Hall, Portrait Statue of Roben, free

On this day a commemoration ceremony for Roben, the first Chief Abbot of Todaiji Temple, is held. After the ceremony a statue of Roben is out for the public viewing. National Treasure. Usually not open to the public.

2) 8:00-16:30 @Sangatsudo Hall, Shukongo-jin Statue, 500yen

Shukongo-jin is a deva protecting Buddhism. National Treasure. Usually not open to the public.

3)11:00-16:00 @Shunjo-do, Portrait Statue of Chogen, 500yen

Chogen is a monk who made a great contribution to Todaiji Temple. National Treasure. Usually not open to the public.

Dec. 31 (fri) Ooharaeshiki in Kasuga Grand Shrine

15:00~ @ Haraedo Shrine near the second torii gate

A purification ceremony. Purifies body and soul to welcome a new year in a fresh state.

Dec. 31 (fri) Joyanokane

Joyanokane is the bell that rings out the old year. The bells are struck on the New Year’s Eve at many temples throughout the country.

24:00~ @Todaiji Temple

Fisrt 800 people on a line can ring a bell. A numbered ticket is handed out near the belfry from around 23:00. Stay in the line, until you ring the bell. If you leave the line, you cannot strike the bell even if you have a ticket.

The bell of Todaiji Temple weights 26tons. You ring out the bell with a group of 8 people!

23:30~ @Kofukuji Temple

Fisrt 200 people can ring a bell. A numbered ticket is handed out from 23:00.

Other area:

Dec. 8 (wed) Ominugui in Horyuji Temple

10:00~ @ Golden Hall, Lecture Hall and the Hall of Dream

Cleaning of Buddhist statues before a new year

Dec 15 (wed) Ominugui in Toshodaiji Temple

9:00~ @ Golden Hall

Cleaning of Buddhist statues before a new year

Dec. 29 (wed) Ominugui in Yakushiji Temple

13:00~ @ Golden Hall and other halls

Cleaning of Buddhist statues before a new year

In the morning mochi (sticky rice cake) for a new year is made. Hot water used to pound mochi is reused to clean statues.

Dec. 31 (fri) All-night-long Sutra Copying in Yakushiji Temple

20:00~ @Sutra Copying Hall, 2000yen~

A peaceful way to end/start a year

Dec. 31 (fri) Joyanokane

Joyanokane is the bell that rings out the old year. The bells are struck on the New Year’s Eve at many temples throughout the country.

23:45~ @Saidaiji Temple

Everyone who wishes to ring a bell can do so.

23:30~ @Toshodaiji Temple

Fisrt 108 people can ring a bell. A numbered ticket is handed out at the entrance from 23:00.

23:30~ @Yakushiji Temple

Everyone who wishes to ring a bell can do so. A numbered ticket is handed out at Higashisobo (east monk’s dormitory) from 23:00. You ring a bell with a group of 5 people. Early strikers may receive mochi, sticky rice cakes.

Sue
-NARAWALK guide